Johor health authorities confirm no new TB rules for bazaars, citing controlled situation and existing protocols, while reporting high hygiene compliance.

PONTIAN: The Johor State Health Department has not imposed any additional standard operating procedures for Ramadan bazaar traders and visitors, despite reported tuberculosis cases in the state.

Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the situation is under control with existing disease transmission protocols already in place.

He advised individuals feeling unwell to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.

Ling was commenting on whether specific TB-related SOPs would be enforced at bazaar sites following a recent Ministry of Health statement.

The ministry reported 3,161 TB cases detected nationwide up to the sixth epidemiological week this year, with Johor recording 280 of those cases.

Regarding a viral social media post showing a trader allegedly placing equipment in a drain, Ling said the department has not received an official complaint.

He urged the public to lodge formal reports to enable immediate enforcement action instead of just sharing incidents online.

Ling also revealed that 98% of 808 inspected Ramadan bazaar stalls in Johor demonstrated high hygiene compliance as of last Saturday.

Only one official complaint has been received to date, involving a bazaar in Ulu Tiram which is now under investigation.

He warned that breaches of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 could result in compounds or closures exceeding 14 days.

Inspections of 1,963 food handlers showed 1,929 have received ongoing health education.

Separate supermarket monitoring led to the seizure of 846 food products worth RM1,258 for various offences including expired items and damaged packaging.

 The Sun Malaysia